Celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival with Canadians of Chinese background always warms up my winter. This year, I was grateful to attend the Children’s spring festival hosted by the Youth Future Foundation, the New Year’s Gala at Taiwan Entrepreneurs Society and a celebration hosted by the Bayview York Mills Chinese Community in Don Valley West. I was even fortunate enough to attend a reception at the Chinese Consulate in Toronto.

This important occasion is well marked by so many in the Toronto Chinese community. From performances by talented young artists to delicious food and drink, these celebrations demonstrate Chinese Canadians’ commitment to honouring their traditions and their zest for life.

I would like to thank each of these groups for making me feel like such an honoured guest. It is a privilege to mark this important milestone in the Chinese calendar with you; may the year of the pig bring you peace, prosperity and good health.

新年快樂, 身體健康, 恭喜發財